It is a matter of time before Embraer gets a new order from an Indian airline, a top executive of Brazilian plane maker said in an interaction with businessline.
Currently, Embraer has a single customer in regional airline Star Air, which operates nine Embraer aircraft in two different variants.
While Star Air plans to increase fleet size to 25 aircraft in the next three years, Embraer is optimistic of finding new customers and additional orders from India for its E190 and E195 jets with the easing of Pratt & Whitney engine issues.
The availability of aircraft delivery slots by 2028 is also an advantage for potential customers as Airbus and Boeing delivery slots are full for the next five-seven years.
“We are talking to everyone. The opportunity is crystal clear and that keeps us optimistic about India. It is a matter of time (before we get new orders), “ said Raul Villaron, Senior Vice-President (sales and marketing) and Head of APAC region, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
The E195-E2 jets seat between 120 and 146 passengers and is seen as an ideal fit for long routes with thin demand.
According to Villaron, development of road and rail network in the country puts Embraer in an advantage compared to turboprop planes which fly on regional routes. The mission of turboprops is to serve short routes and their importance reduces once it becomes easier to travel by road or trains, he said.
India subsidiary
Embraer has also announced setting up of a subsidiary in India to deepen its commitment. The subsidiary will support various business streams across civil and military air transport, and also help the company in identifying sourcing aircraft components from India.
“We are exploring opportunities that will help us expand our production capacity and reduce costs. We are looking to source software from India,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer.